Ari Gibson

Metropolitan State University - 2023

Project: My Puksta Project involves integrating LGBTQ+-inclusive curriculum in elementary and middle schools, as well as helping classrooms become safe spaces for all forms of gender expression and sexualities.

Inspiration: Friends that are part of the LGBTQ+ community have helped me notice the lack of education about their gender expression and sexual orientation. They’ve also helped me see what it can be like to live with daily gender and sexuality dysphoria, making me see the importance for everyone to be able to express themselves, be called their correct name, and use their correct gender pronouns.

Future Plans: I would hope that my project helps youth identify their gender identities and sexual orientations while educating them about all the different forms of gender expression and sexualities that exist. I also want my project to help shift cultural attitudes towards those that identify as gender or sexuality queer.

Puksta Foundation

We provide scholarships, mentorship, and experiential community engagement training for undergraduate Colorado students.